Dozens detained in Lithuania football riots

  • 2011-03-28
  • TBT Staff

Lithuania went on to defeat Poland for the first time in five years.

KAUNAS - About 60 predominantly Polish football fans have been detained by Lithuanian security forces after a football riot erupted during an international match between the two countries.

One security guard was transported to the hospital with serious injuries after being stabbed by one of the rioters. Reports indicate that around 10 football fans were also injured in the riot. Approximately 200 football hooligans took part in the riot.

“The behaviour of our supporters was shameful and unacceptable. We are waiting for official information from the police,” Polish Football Association spokeswoman Agnieszka Olejkowska was quoted as saying by Polish radio.

Police used tear gas and dogs in clashes with the protesters, who hurled bottles and rocks at police.

Polish football hooligans are renown as some of the most violent rioters in Europe.

Lithuania went on to win the match 2-0, marking the first time in five years that the country has been able to defeat its southern neighbor.